U.S., Jordan, U.K. and France Help Israel Repel Iranian Missile Attack

The United States, Jordan, Britain and France helped repel the Iranian ballistic missile attack on Israel, Israeli officials said on Wednesday.

One Israeli official said the U.S. had provided the most important assistance, with its forces dispersed across the Middle East intercepting many of the missiles.

The American effort was managed by the U.S. Army's Central Command and included the use of both aircraft and naval vessels. CENTCOM had received reinforcements over the previous several days amid the escalation in fighting between Israel and Hezbollah and growing expectations of an Iranian attack in response to the assassination of the group's secretary-general, Hassan Nasrallah.

"The Americans worked in very close coordination with us," an Israeli official told Haaretz. "They tried to deter the Iranians and prevent an attack, but from the moment it became clear that the message hadn't convinced the Iranians, we got help in defense as well."

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Israeli officials say the U.S. Navy and Air Force provided the most important assistance, with one official saying other Middle Eastern countries also helped, but 'not everyone wants to talk about it'

HAARETZ Oct 2, 2024 

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France and Britain officially announced on Wednesday that they said their forces had helped in repelling Iranian missiles. "I want to thank all British personnel involved in the operation for their courage and professionalism," British Defense Minister John Healey said in a social post. He added that "the U.K. stands fully behind Israel's right to defend its country and its people against threats."

A statement from the French government said its forces in the Middle East had assisted in Israel's defense.

Jordan didn't issue an official statement, but Jordanian officials told CNN that the kingdom had helped intercept many of the Iranian ballistic missiles. Israeli officials confirmed Amman's assistance but provided no further details. 

"There were other Middle Eastern countries that helped, but it's a sensitive topic and not everyone wants to talk about it in this attack," said a senior Israeli official. In Iran's April attack using ballistic missiles and drones, Israel was assisted by several countries, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Initial estimates are that on Tuesday evening, Tehran fired approximately 180 ballistic missiles at Israel, most of which were either intercepted or landed in open areas. It was half the number of projectiles fired in April, but this time the proportion of ballistic missiles was higher, inflicting greater damage⍐.